Virtual Town Halls: Government at Your Fingertips

Henrico County, Va.

Regardless of schedule or internet access, a citizen should be afforded the opportunity to obtain public information. To make a personal connection while informing the public, governments host public meetings or town halls. However, this method is only limited to a certain segment of the population. Furthermore, this method does not incorporate or embrace technology readily available to both the public and government. Thus, Henrico County combined interpersonal and digital communication efforts into one public meeting. The presentations and question and answer periods were live-streamed at two magisterial district town hall meetings, and online participants submitted questions and feedback through social media or email. This allowed for in-person and virtual attendees to become informed and fully participate in the discussion. Additionally, the video stream was archived allowing citizens to access the town hall meeting anytime. Instead of the usual ten to twelve attendees at a public meeting, 177 people participated in the live feed or watched the archived public meeting.

About 100 Brilliant Ideas at Work

Counties play an essential role in keeping America’s communities healthy, vibrant and safe. With public and private sector partners, we pursue innovative approaches to advance public health and well-being, protect public safety and foster economic strength and resiliency. Counties anticipate and adapt to challenges by thinking outside the box and demonstrating local leadership that makes a difference in people’s lives.

Under the leadership of NACo Immediate Past President Bryan Desloge, NACo embarked on an initiative to identify and share 100 examples of visionary county leadership that results in improving residents’ quality of life. Through this initiative, NACo worked with county leaders and partners to share best practices that bolster our nation’s ability to thrive county by county.